Choking over hospital’s high fees

IT is very difficult to accept that a simple procedure which took less than two minutes can cost so much.

It happened a few days ago in a hospital in Petaling Jaya. I was there to have a half-inch fish bone stuck in my throat removed.

The ENT doctor only used a pair of long-nosed pliers, a dental mirror and a head band torchlight. Total time spent with the doctor was less than five minutes. So I was shocked to receive a bill of RM980.65 (including medication, GST, etc). High sounding terms were used to describe the charges.

On querying the doctor on the high charges, I was given a discount of RM92.20. I paid the full amount of RM888.45 under protest.

The main items charged were as follows:

1) Consultation - RM249.10

2) Therapeutic Endoscopic Operation of Pharynx - RM522.58 (reduced from RM614.80)

3) Out Patient Department - RM65 (on the use of the above simple equipment)

4) Pharmacy - RM46.46

5) Medical Record - RM5.30

I lodged a complaint with the hospital’s business office manager but it was thrown out.

I hope ethical professional medical guys will be able to share their views on whether such exorbitant charges warrant the work done by the ENT.

I feel I have been fleeced by the doctor/hospital. Are the charges appropriate or reasonable?

KUAN YEW NAM

Subang Jaya